Senate Reaches Tentative Deal to End Longest Government Shutdown

Topping the news this morning, senators have reached a tentative bipartisan deal to reopen the federal government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

A procedural vote passed 60 to 40 overnight, with eight Democrats crossing the aisle to support the measure. The agreement would fund most federal agencies through the end of January and extend funding for departments such as Agriculture through next September. That extension ensures that SNAP food assistance for low-income families will continue, preventing a growing crisis over food access.

The deal also reverses furloughs and guarantees back pay for federal employees affected by the shutdown. However, the agreement does not include provisions related to health care or an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, an omission that has divided Democrats.

Some Democrats argue that tying government funding to health care issues was stalling progress, while others warn that more than 20 million Americans could see their health insurance premiums double without immediate action. The agreement includes a promise for a Senate vote on ACA subsidies by mid-December, before they expire at the end of the year.

President Trump and Republican leaders expressed optimism about the progress, with the president saying he believes the end of the shutdown is near. Still, the deal faces hurdles in the House, where several Democrats have already voiced opposition.

Credit: NBC’s Alice Barr reporting from Washington.

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